Quick Answer
Georgia has excellent sunshine but challenging solar economics due to Georgia Power not offering true net metering. Exports earn only $0.03-$0.04/kWh. Property tax exemption is the main benefit. Solar works best with battery storage for self-consumption or for customers in EMC territories with better policies. Expect 12-18 year payback.
Georgia Solar Overview
From my experience:
Georgia is frustrating. All that beautiful sunshine going to waste because of Georgia Power's policies. They have been one of the most anti-residential-solar utilities I have dealt with. No real net metering means you are getting pennies for your exports. My honest advice: if you are going solar in Georgia, you almost need a battery to make it work. Store that solar and use it yourself—do not give it away to Georgia Power for $0.03/kWh.
Georgia presents a mixed picture for residential solar. On one hand, the state has excellent sunshine and is a national leader in utility-scale solar. On the other hand, Georgia Power's policies make residential solar more challenging than in neighboring states.
[Editor's Note, Jan 2026]:Georgia Power policies remain challenging for residential solar. If you are served by a Georgia EMC (electric cooperative) instead, check your specific co-op's policies as they may be more favorable.
Georgia Solar Snapshot
Average system cost: $22,000-$30,000 (8 kW system)
Payback period: 12-18 years
Net metering: Not available (Georgia Power)
Annual sunshine: 210-230 sunny days (Source: NOAA Climate Data)
Payback period: 12-18 years
Net metering: Not available (Georgia Power)
Annual sunshine: 210-230 sunny days (Source: NOAA Climate Data)
Why Georgia Is Challenging for Solar
- No net metering: Georgia Power doesn't offer retail-rate credits
- Low export rates: Excess energy credited at avoided cost
- No state tax credit: No income tax incentive
- Longer payback: Economics harder than many states
Why Georgia Can Still Work
- Excellent sunshine: High production potential
- Low installation costs: Southeast pricing is competitive
- Property tax exemption: Available statewide
- Self-consumption value: Use solar directly = full savings
- Battery opportunity: Store solar for evening use
Solar Costs in Georgia
Average Installation Costs
| System Size | Cost Range | Typical Home Size |
|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $16,500-$22,000 | 1,500-2,000 sq ft |
| 8 kW | $22,000-$29,000 | 2,000-2,500 sq ft |
| 10 kW | $27,500-$36,000 | 2,500-3,500 sq ft |
| 12 kW | $33,000-$43,000 | 3,500+ sq ft |
Cost Per Watt
- Georgia average: $2.75-$3.50 per watt
- Atlanta metro: $2.80-$3.60 per watt
- National average: $2.75-$3.50 per watt
Georgia's installation costs are competitive with national averages, which helps offset the lack of strong incentives.
Georgia Solar Incentives
Federal Tax Credit (2026)
- Purchased systems: The 30% residential credit (Section 25D) ended December 31, 2025
- PPA/Lease: Section 48E still provides 30% through 2027—passed to you as lower payments
- Already installed: Systems installed before 2026 still qualify
State Incentives
- State tax credit: None available
- SRECs: No SREC market in Georgia
- Property tax exemption: 100% of added value exempt
- Sales tax: Solar equipment is taxable
Property Tax Exemption
Georgia's property tax exemption is the primary state-level benefit. Your property taxes won't increase due to your solar installation, which provides meaningful long-term savings. (Source: industry data and EnergySage analysis)
Net Metering Challenges
This is where Georgia differs significantly from most states. Georgia Power, which serves most of the state, does not offer traditional net metering.
Georgia Power Policy
- No 1:1 net metering: Not available for new customers
- Export rate: Excess energy credited at "avoided cost" (~$0.03-$0.04/kWh)
- Retail rate: ~$0.12-$0.14/kWh
- Gap: You get much less for exports than you pay for imports
What This Means Practically
- Self-consumption is key: Solar you use yourself = full retail value
- Exports are less valuable: Sending to grid earns little
- System sizing matters: Don't oversize for export
- Battery makes sense: Store excess for evening use
Other Utilities
- Georgia EMCs (co-ops): Policies vary—some better than Georgia Power
- Municipal utilities: Check local policies
- May have net metering: Some smaller utilities do offer it
Major Utilities
Georgia Power (Southern Company)
- Coverage: Most of Georgia—~2.7 million customers
- Type: Investor-owned utility
- Solar policy: No net metering, low export rates
- Interconnection: Process available but not incentivized
Georgia Electric Membership Corporations (EMCs)
- 41+ co-ops: Across Georgia
- Policies vary: Each sets own solar policy
- Some better: May offer net metering or better export rates
- Check yours: Research your specific EMC
Municipal Utilities
- Examples: Marietta Power, various others
- Independent policies: May differ from Georgia Power
- Worth checking: Some have better solar terms
Making Solar Work in Georgia
Despite the challenges, solar can work in Georgia with the right approach:
Strategy 1: Maximize Self-Consumption
- Right-size system: Match daytime usage, don't oversize
- Shift usage: Run pool pumps, laundry, dishwasher during solar hours
- Work from home: Daytime usage benefits from solar directly
- EV charging: Charge during daytime when solar is producing
Strategy 2: Add Battery Storage
- Store excess: Use evening instead of exporting cheap
- Shift consumption: Solar power for evening/night use
- Backup power: Protection during outages
- Better economics: Makes up for lack of net metering
Batteries in Georgia
Battery storage is more valuable in Georgia than in net metering states. Instead of exporting at $0.03/kWh, you can store solar and use it at $0.12+/kWh value. This can significantly improve your solar economics. (Source: utility tariff filings and DSIRE Database)
Strategy 3: Consider PPA/Lease
- No upfront cost: Lower financial risk
- Still has 48E credit: Through 2027
- Company handles complexity: They optimize the system
- Compare carefully: Ensure savings are meaningful
GA-Specific Considerations
Weather and Production
- Annual production: ~1,300-1,450 kWh per kW installed
- Excellent sunshine: Strong solar resource
- Hot summers: High AC usage creates demand
- Mild winters: Good year-round production
Atlanta Metro
- Georgia Power territory: No net metering
- Strong market: Many installer options
- High AC usage: Summer bills drive interest
- Suburban homes: Often good solar candidates
Coastal Georgia
- Hurricane consideration: Proper installation matters
- Salt air: Consider corrosion-resistant equipment
- Good sun: Excellent solar resource
- Insurance: Verify coverage details
Rural Georgia
- EMC territory: May have better policies than Georgia Power
- Check your co-op: Policies vary significantly
- Fewer installers: May have limited options
The Bottom Line
Is Georgia Good for Solar?
Georgia is challenging but not impossible for solar:
- Excellent sunshine: High production potential
- Low installation costs: Competitive pricing
- Property tax exemption: One solid benefit
- BUT: Lack of net metering significantly hurts economics
Best Candidates for Georgia Solar
- High daytime usage: Work from home, pool pumps
- Willing to add battery: Maximize self-consumption
- EMC customers: Check if your co-op has better policies
- Long-term view: Accept longer payback (12-18 years)
- Environmental motivation: Beyond just economics
Who Should Think Twice
- Georgia Power customers: Who expect fast payback
- Away during day: Low self-consumption opportunity
- Won't add battery: Export value too low
- Short-term homeowner: May not see payback
Questions to Ask Installers
- What's my realistic payback period in Georgia?
- How much will I self-consume vs. export?
- Does battery storage make sense for my situation?
- What utility am I on and what are their policies?
- How does a PPA compare to purchasing given GA's policies?
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